Ice wrapping machine



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M. T. zElGLER ICE WRAPPING MACHINE Filed July 30, 1931 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 ATTORNEWS Patentes Jan. 7, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ICE WRAPPING MACHINE Application July 30, 1931, Serial No. 554,142

24 Claims.

This invention relates to wrapping machines, and has for an object the provision of a wrapping machine which is designed primarily for wrapping substantially cubical blocks of ice, although the machine of the present invention is susceptible to modifications adapting it for wrapping other classes of goods.

One of the important objects of the present invention is to provide a wrapping machine in which special provision is made `for variation in the dimensions of the blocks of ice to be wrapped, insuring neat folding of the paper or other wrapping material, about the block, and the establishment of adequate bond between predetermined areas of the Wrapping material, so as to insure retention of the wrapping material upon the article after its release from the wrapping machine.

Another object is to provide means for apply- Aing heat to the reservoirs'wherein theradhesive is stored, and means for applying heat to those areas of the wrapping material to which adhesive hasbeen applied, after completion of the wrapping process.

Another object is to provide a wrapping machine having the general characteristics hereinabove set forth, which is adapted to be operated by a plurality of properly synchronized fluid motors, all of which receive their energizing fluid from a common source, and are controlled by cam-operated valves which are easily adjustable, whereby accurate synchronization of the operation of the several motors with respect to each other may easily be attained.

Another object is to so construct the valves, cams, and operating means hereinabove referred to, that they are continually immersed in a. bath of oil, this oil also serving as the source of supply to the pressure pump whereby the several fluid motors are operated.

A further object is to provide a Wrapping machine capable of carrying out its manifold operationsfor example, placing a sheet of wrapping material in position to receive an article to be wrapped, placing the article upon the sheet. folding the sheet around the article, applying adhesive to predetermined areas of the; sheet during the folding operation, pressing these areas against other areas of the sheet, and removing the wrap-pcd article from the machine-with a high degree of eiiiciency and within a very short space of time, and without damage to the article itself.

A still further object is to provide a control mechanism for starting and stopping the Wrapping machine, which adapts it to receive articles to be wrapped from a conveyor mechanism which also supplies one or more other wrapping machines, and which insures that an article to be Wrapped will be held stationary in position to be taken into each of the several wrapping machines at the time of commencement of operation thereof.

The invention possesses other objects and advantageous features, some of which, with those enumerated, will be set forth in the following description of the inventions particular embodiment which is illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the specification.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a wrapping machine embodying the principles of the present invention, and showing conveyors whereby articles to be wrapped are conducted to and from the Wrapping machine. In conjunction with the conveyor a portion of a second wrapping machine is indicated in dashed lines to indicate the method of cooperation between a plurality of machines fed by a single conveyor.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken upon the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken upon the line 3--3 of Fig. 1, with the direction of view asindicated.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional vievi.r taken upon the line 4--4 of Fig. 1, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken below and looking upwards toward the supporting plat- Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical sectional view taken upon the line 6 6 of Fig. 1, with the direction of view as indicated, to show the paper-folding elements.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 taken upon the line 1-1 of Fig. l, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken through the paper-folding elements, upon the line 8-8 of Fig. l, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 taken upon the line 9--9 of Fig. 1, with the direction of View as indicated.V

Fig. 10 is a detail view similar to Fig. 9, showing one of the end plates swung upwards to paper-folding position. A portion of the iigure is broken away to reduce its length.

Fig. 11 is a View similar to Fig. 8 taken upon the line of Fig. 1, with the direction of View as indicated.

Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view taken upon the line |2--|2 of Fig. 2, with the direction of view as indicated, to show the hydraulic mechanism for supplying actuating fluid under pressure to the several iiuid motors which operate the various elements of the Wrapping machine.

Fig. 13 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken upon the line |3|3 of Fig. 12, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view of a portion of the mechanism for withdrawing an article from the wrapping machine subsequent to completion of the wrapping process. The plane of section is indicated by the line |4|4 of Fig. 3, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view taken upon the line |5-I5 of Fig. 14, with the direction of view as indicated.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged detail view in transverse vertical section, taken upon the line IIS-I6 of Fig. 2, with the direction of view as indicated, to show the holding switch which insures energization of the operating motor of the machine throughout a complete cycle of operation.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail view in transverse vertical section taken upon the line |1-|1 of Fig. l, to show the mechanism for drawing a sheet of paper across the supporting platform to position it in readiness to receive an article to be wrapped. A portion of the gure is broken away to reduce its length.

Fig. 18 -is an enlarged detail view in longitudinal vertical section, showing the mechanism for severing a predetermined length of paper from its source of supply. The plane of section is taken upon the line |8|8 of Fig. 4, with the direction of view as indicated.

Figs. 19 to 26 inclusive are diagrammatic views in perspective, showing the position of the Wrapping paper with respect to the article being Wrapped, during successive steps of the wrapping operation.

In terms of broad inclusion, the wrapping machine of the present invention `comprises a supporting platform adapted to receive iirst a sheet of suitable wrapping material such as a heavy kraft paper, means for positioning an article to be wrapped upon the upper surface of the paper thus positioned, and a plurality of paper-folding elements adapted to wrap the paper neatly about the article. In the event that the paper is not previously provided with adhesive, the wrapping machine itself is provided with mechanism for applying glue or other suitable adhesive material to predetermined areas of the sheet during the wrapping operation, and means for pressing these areas against other areas of the sheet so as to establish suitable bond therebetween to retain the paper wrapper upon the article. Upon completion of the wrapping operation,the wrapped article is withdrawn from the supporting platform to make room for the next sheet of paper and article to be wrapped.

Means are provided for automatically starting operation of the machine when an article to be wrapped is conducted by a suitable conveyor to that position from which it may be taken into the wrapping machine, and this starting mechanism is so constructed and arranged'that it may be adapted to a plurality of wrapping machines, all of which are fed by a single conveyor. The starting mechanism preferably is common to all of the several wrapping machines, so that they will simultaneously draw an article to be wrapped from the conveyor, thus insuring that an article is stationary and properly positioned in registry with the entrance to each of the several wrapping machines before the machines start to operate.

As stated hereinabove, the machine of the present invention, while being susceptible for use in wrapping any type of substantially rectangular article, has been particularly designed for wrapping blocks of ice. When put to such use the machine preferably will be installed within a refrigerated room, so as to avoid melting of the ice during the wrapping operation and during conveyance of the blocks of ice to and from the wrapping machine. Under such circumstances, I prefer to provide means for keeping the adhesive reservoirs warmed to a suitable temperature to assure proper uidity of the adhesive.

AI have also found it desirable to provide means for applying heat to those areas of the wrapping paper to which adhesive has been applied, and subsequent to the wrappingprocess, so as to insure setting of the adhesive before the wrapped article is removed from the machine, thereby preventing the possibility of loosening of the paper and subsequent partial or complete unwrapping of the article.

Specifically describing that embodiment of my invention which at present appears to be the most practical, my improved wrapping machine is mounted upon a frame 3|, which comprises sills 32 and a bed 33 supported thereabove by means of a plurality of uprights 34. Preferably, the bed 33 is of substantially rectangular con-I struction, comprising side and end members 36 and 31, respectively, defining a rectangular space 38. This space 38 is divided by a transversely extending beam 39 rigid with the side members 36, into a front portion 4| and an after portion 42.

The frame 3i is arranged with its front end member 31 parallel with and closely adjacent a suitable conveyor 43, preferably of the traveling belt type, whereby articles 44, such as substantially cubical or rectangular blocks of ice, may be conducted from any suitable source of supply to the wrapping machine and placed in position before the entrance to the wrapping machine, so that when the wrapping machine starts to operate a block 44 may be withdrawn from the,...

belt 46 of the conveyor 43 into the wrapping machine.

Paper supply mechanism A roll 5|, preferably of a heavy kraft paper or other suitable wrapping material, 1s carried by a rod 52 which is hung in suitable, spaced brackets 53 extending from the frame 3|. The end 54 of the paper of the roll 5| unrolls therefrom and extends laterally into the wrapping machine over a plate 55 which is carried by the frame 3|v between two uprights 34y and which registers with the space 4| at the forward end of vthe frame. Above the plate 56 a roller 51 is journaled, and this roller presses the paper against the plate 56 sufficiently tightly to prevent the end 54 from being drawn backwards out ofthe machine. This leaves the end available to be drawn across the supporting platform 58 by mechanism 59 whichV is about to be described. Preferably, a loop 60 of the paper is formed between the roll 5| and the plate 56,

and a cylindrical weight 6l which corresponds in length to the width of the paper, lies within the loop Ell so that when the end 54 is drawn across the platform 58 it will not be necessary to unroll the paper from the ro-ll 5| at the speed at which the end 54 is drawn into the machine. Instead, the necessary length of paper is provided by shortening the loop 60, after which the `weight 6I will cause the roll 5i to unroll slowly t0 replenish the supply of paper which previously has been withdrawn from the loop 60.

An extension t3 of the frame 3| is provided upon that side thereof which is opposite the roll 5l of paper, to accommodate the paper-positioning means 59 while it is inoperative, This paperpositioning means 5S comprises a pair of parallel rods 5'4, each of which is pivotally mounted at its lower end by means of a bearing SG carried by one of the sills 6l of the frameextension S3. Parallel with each of the pivoted rods 64 and lying in the plane of movement thereof, is another rod E8, and the rods 64 and 68 of each pair are interconnected by means of upper and lower -parallel links, 69 and 1l, each of which is pivoted to both associated rods 64 and 68. Each lower link ll is extended beyond its pivotal connection to the associated rod E4, vand carries a rod 72 which interconnects it to the link 'H associated with the other pair of rods 64 and 53.

This rod I2 is connected tothe rod 'i3 of a fluid motor 74. This motor comprises a cylinder 16 which is pivoted at its lower end by means of a bracket 'li to a foot .plate 'I8 rigid with the frame extension E3 at a point materially lower than the links .'H. Within the cylinder l a piston 19 is reciprocable, and the rod 73 is connected to the piston 'I9 so that when fluid is supplied to the cylinder 16, urging the piston 'i8 to move within the cylinder, the rod 13 will be expelled from the cylinder or drawn thereinto, depending upon whether the fluid is supplied to the lower or upper end of the cylinder 76, respectively. Fluid is adapted to be supplied to the lower and upper ends of the cylinder 'i6 by flexible tubes 8l and 82, respectively, which lead to opposite ends of the first Valve chamber 83 of a bank 84 of such chambers, which constitu es a portion of the fluid supply mechanism 85 to be described hereinafter. When fluid under pressure is supplied through the conduit 3l to the lower end of the cylinder 16, the rod 'I3 is projected from the cylinder, carrying with it the rod 12, the ends of which are guided in arcuate slots 86 in transversely extending beams 8l which are rigid with the frame 3| and extension S3. This motion of the rod 'l2 swings both pairs oi rods 64 and 68 about the axis of their alined bearings 66 laterally toward the wrapping machine, carrying with them the upper link 5S of each pair of rods E54 and 68 also, in translatory motion, i. e., each link 5S is maintained substantially horizontally and in horizontal alinement with the other link li. The inner end of each upper link 69 is extended for a considerable distance past the associated rod 64, so that when the rods 64 and 68 are swung to their inner extreme of movement, each extension 88 extends completely across the space 4l at the forward end of the machine, and positions a jaw 89 which is provided upon the inner end of each extension 83 immediately above the end 54 of paper which projects for a slight distance past the inner edge of the platform 56,

The operation of the paper-gripping mechanism can best be understood by reference to Fig. 17. The extension 38 of each upper link 69 carries a boss 9| upon which a movable jaw 92 is provided. A push rod E33 is pivoted at one end to this movable jaw Q2 and at the other end to an arm 54 of a bell crank Siti-which is pivoted as by a bolt 97 to the associated extension 88 adjacent the rod 59. The other leg S8 of the bell crank @t is adapted to be engaged by a spring-urged detent 9S carried by the hub iii! at the upper end of the associated rod 54, the parts being so proportioned and arranged that this engagement between the detent 99 and the.

arm 98 occurs while the paper-gripping mechanism 59 is swinging inwards. This engagement causes the bell crank il@ to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed upon Fig. 17, pulling the rod l 93 toward the right, thereby causing the movabler jaw 92 to swing downwards away from the upperfixed jaw 39, with the result that just prior to completion of the inward movement of the paperpositioning mechanism 59, the jaws 39 and 3E,

will be sufliciently separated to receive the end', 5A of paper therebetween. The detent 29 is of' such length that as the inward movement of the mechanism 5S? is completed it slips past the end of the arm 33, permitting the bell crank 96 to be returned to initial position by means of a coil spring which is provided for that purpose,l whereupon the jaw Q2 is swung upwards to press the paper between itself and the upper jaw 89. Hence, when the pressure within the conduit 8i is relieved and fluid4 under pressure is supplied to the other conduit 82 to draw the paper-posi.. tioning mechanism 5g back to initial position, the end 'di of paper which is engaged between the jaws 89 and 92 will be drawn across the space di just above the platform 53. As this retractile movement of the mechanism 5?, is completed, a lever ID3 which is pivoted on the rod ltd whereby the upper links 59 are pivoted to their respective rods 58, engages a stop i355, causing thez lever |533 to swing in a clockwise direction, aa viewed upon Fig. 17. The upper end lill of thet lever it is pivoted to a link i, which also isl connected to the arm 94 of the bell crank S5, so that this movement of the lever iili causes the bell crank 913 to be swung back in a clockwise, direction to initial position, thereby drawing the jaw 92 downwards away from the jaw 89 and releasing the end 5d of the paper.' n this man ner, a sheet iiiii of paper of predetermined length is positioned upon the platform 53 in readiness; to receive one of the blocks fill of ice to be, wrapped.

Paper cutting mechanism As soon as the paper-positioning mechanism 59 completes its operation, the cutting mechan nism Hl starts to operate. This mechanism Il! is illustrated upon Figs. 2, 4, and 18, and comprises a carriage H2 slidably mounted upon a track H3 which extends longitudinally of the machine immediately above the plate 56. Mounted upon the carriage i i2 is a circular knife Iii! which is journaled for rotation upon a pin H5 which is rigid with the carriage M2. The carriage H2 is adapted to be reciprocated by a second iuid motor lil which is similar to the motor ld of the paper-positioning mechanism 59 hereinabove described. The piston rod H8 of the motor ill extends horizontally and is connected to the carriage H2, so that when uid is supplied to the after end of the cylinder H9 by means of a conduit IZI, the carriage H2 and knife ||4 will be advanced transversely with re spect to the sheet of paper |89, which previously has been drawn across the platform 58; and when the pressure within the conduit |2| is relieved and fluid under pressure is supplied to the conduit |22, which communicates with the forward end of the cylinder H9, the carriage H2 and knife ||4 will be retracted. The conduits |2| and-|22 communicate with opposite ends of the second valve chamber |23 of the bank 84.

Cooperative with the knife ||4 is a cutter bar |28 having a groove |21 in its upper surface, adapted to receive the cutting edge of the knife ||4 during reciprocation thereof to hold the paper against the knife so as to insure severance of the paper as the knife is drawn thereacross. However, instead of being rigidly mounted, the bar |26 is adapted to be swung downwards out of the way while the cutting mechanism is not operative, so as to permit the jaws 89 and 92 of the positioning mechanism 59 to become engaged upon the edge 54 or the paper. The bar |26 is pivotally mounted upon the upper ends of a pair of parallel levers |28, each of which is pivoted as at |29 upon a longitudinally extending member |3| of the frame 3|. The lower ends of the levers |28 are joined by a link |32 which is parallel to the bar |25. Another fluid motor |33 has its piston rod |34 pivoted to the link |32, and is adapted to swing the link |32 toward the left, as viewed upon Fig. 18, when fluid under pressure is provided to the after end of the cylinder |35 by means of a conduit |31. This swings the cutter bar |25 to the right and upwards into engagement with the under surface of the paper which previously has been drawn across the platform 58, and in position to receive the cutting edge of the knife |4 during reciprocation thereof. Upon completion of the cutting operation, the pressure within the conduit |31 is relieved and fluid under pressure is supplied to the other end of the cylinder |36 by way ofA the conduit |38 to retract the cutter bar |25. The conduits |31 and |38 lead to the third valve chamber |39 of the bank 84.

Article-positioning mechanism The article-positioning mechanism is indicated in its entirety at |4|, and comprises a carriage |42 which is slidably mounted for reciprocation longitudinally of the wrapping machine. For this purpose a pair of spaced, transversely extending bars |43 rigid with the under side of the carriage |42 are slidably mounted within longitudinally extending tracks |44 upon opposite sides of the space 4| and at an elevation above that of the platform 58. An arm |48 is pivotally mounted upon the carriage |42 by means of a suitable pivot pin |49, and carries at its outer end a cage |5| having a plurality of depending and preferably resilient ngers |52 which cooperate to define a rectangular space substantially equal to the horizontal cross sectional configuration of the blocks 44 to be wrapped. The other end |53 of the arm |48 inclines upwards from the pivot pin |49, and is pivotally connected to the piston rod |54 of another fluid motor |56. The conduits |51 and |58 which communicate with the cylinder |59 of the motor |56, lead to the opposite ends of the fourth valve chamber |6| of the bank 84. When fluid under pressure is supplied to the after end of the cylinder |59 through the conduit |51, the carriage |42 is slid forwards, but with the arm |48 inclining upwards and forwards therefrom in substantially the position illustrated upon Fig. 3, until the carriage |42 engages a stop |62 rigid with the tracks |44. Here the forward motion of the carriage |42 ceases, whereupon the continued advance of the piston rod |54 causes rotary motion of the end |53 of the arm |48 about the pivot pin |49, swinging the cage |5| which is carried by the arm |48, downwards against the action of a coil spring |63 which is under tension between the cage |5| and an upright |64 on the carriage |42. The parts are so proportioned that this downward motion of the cage |5| occurs when the cage is positioned over a block 44 upon the conveyor 43, so that the iingers |52 extend downwards past the upper edges of the block 44, thereby establishing the necessary engagement between the arm |48 and block 44 to cause the block 44 to be dragged into the wrapping machine upon retraction of the mechanism |4I.

In order to prevent the cage |5| from striking the block 44 with suicient force to cause injury thereto, I have provided a pair of links |56 and |61 which are pivotally connected to each other, the link |66 being pivoted to the arm |48 and the link |61 being pivoted to the upright |64. These links are so arranged that they move into alinement with each other, and thereby prevent further lowering of the cage |5| after the fingers |52 are moved downwards past the upper edges of the block 44, but before the remainder of the cage i5| can come into engagement with the upper surface of the block.

A detent |68 is pivotally mounted upon the upright |64 and is urged by a spring |89 to turn in that direction which will position its lower end over an abutment |1| on the arm |48 when the arm is in its lower extreme of movement. Hence, as soon as the arm |48 has been swung to dispose the cage |5| in block-engaging position, the detent |68 will engage the abutment and prevent the arm |48 from rising during retractile movement of the piston rod |54, which is produced by relieving the pressure within the conduit |51 and supplying iiuid under pressure to the conduit |58. However, when the carriage |42 arrives at its inner extreme or" movement, the upper end of the detent |53 engages an abutment |12 which is rigid with the frame 3|, and swings the detent to releasing position, whereupon the spring |63 raises the arm |48 and cage |5| out of engagement with the block.

Wrapping mechanism The platform 58 provides the rigid central portion ofthe wrapping mechanism, which is indicated in its entirety at |15. This platform 58 is in the form of a flat plate which substantially corresponds in shape and size to the bottom of each of the blocks 44 to be wrapped. This platform 58 is rigidly mounted by means of suitable supporting members |11 which form a portion of the frame 3|. Front and rear side plates |18 and |19, respectively, are pivoted to the corresponding edges of the platform 58. A forward top plate |8| is hinged to the forward edge of the front side plate |18, i. e., to that edge of the plate |18 which is uppermost when the plate |18 is swung to vertical position, and a rear top plate |82 is hinged to the after edge of the rear side plate |18, i. e., that edge of the plate |19 which becomes its upper edge when the plate |18 is swung to vertical position. A lower end plate |83 is hinged to each of the side edges of the platform 58, and preferably the outermost edges of the plates |83, i. e., those edges which become their uppermost edges when the plates are swung to vertical position, are shorter than the edges of the plates |83 which are proximal to the platform 58. Preferably, the front and rear side plates |18 and |19 are wider than the platform 58, as best illustrated upon Figs. 1 and 5. The width of each of the front and rear side plates |18 and |19 is substantially equal to the combined width of the platform 58 and the bottom end plates |83. A pair of intermediate end plates |911 are hinged to the front side plate |18 for movement about an axis in alinement with the side edges of the platform 58, i. e., the distance between the axes of the plates |84 is equal to the width of the platform 58. Similar intermediate end plates |88 are similarly hinged to the after end plate |19.

Normally the platform 58, the front and rear side plates |18 and |19, and the front and rear v top plates |81 and 182, lie in a common plane,

whereas the front and rear intermediate end plates |84 and |88 lie upon the upper surfaces of the front and rear side plates |18 and 119, respectively, as best shown upon Fig. l.

The rst step in the wrapping operation starts immediately a block to be wrapped has been positioned upona sheet of paper |99 which rests upon theplatform `58, as illustrated upon Fig. 19. This iirstrstep in the wrapping operation is to raise theforward end plate |18 to vertical position, folding the forward end 181 of the paper |99 into engagement with that end of the block 44 which is toward the front end of the machine, as illustrated upon Fig. 20. This movement of the forward end plate |18 is attained through the expedient of another fluid motor |91, the cylinder |92 of which is connected by lower and upper conduits |93 and |98, respectively,` to the opposite ends of the nfth valve chamber |95 of the bank 84. lThe piston rod |91 of the motor |9| is pivotally connected to a crosshead |98, which preferably is in the form of a plate having a longitudinally extending slot |99 therein, through which a screw 29| extends to be threaded into the inner side of the forward side plate |18, thereby slidably engaging the crosshead |98 upon the under surface of the plate |18. inasmuch as the rod |91 extends upwards to the crosshead |98, energi'zation of the motor 19| to expel the I rod |91 from the cylinder |92 swings thel plate |18 upwards about the axis of its pivotal connection to the platform 58 and into vertical position, carrying with it the front top plate |8| and the two intermediate end plates |89, so that they also are positioned vertically. Continued swinging of the front plate |18 past Vertical position is prevented by its engagement with the block 41|, whereupon continued upward motion of the piston rod |91 causes the crosshead |98 to slide upwards with respect to the plate |18 and against the action of a coil spring 282 which is under tension between a screw 283 carried by the crosshead |98, and a block 299 rigid with the plate |18 and extending through the slot |99 (see Fig. 1). This block 291| also serves as a guide which cooperates with the screw 28| for the crosshead |98.

The sliding movement of the crosshead |98 with respect to the front side plate |18 causes a pair of pins 2 88 which are carried by the crosshead 1 98 to come into engagement with the under surface of alined, hook-shaped ngers 281 which extend from the under surface of the front top plate |81 and incline therefrom past the axis of the pivotal connection 295 of the plate 18| to the plate |18. inasmuch as the engagement between the pins 298 and the fingers 291 takes place below the plane of the plates |18 and |81, continued sliding motion of the crosshead |98 with respect to the plate |18 causes the top plate 18| to swing downwards against the action of coil springs 218, folding the end |81 of the paper 199 down against 5 the upper surface of the block 89, as illustratedk upon Fig. 22. instead of being rigid with the plate |81, however, the fingers 281 are carried by a plate 288 which is pivoted to the plate |81 by a pin 289. The plate 288 is normally held in contact with the under surface of the plate 18| by a spring 2| 1 which is under compression between the plate 288 and a bracket 212 rigid with the under surface of the plate |81.l The purpose of this construction is to permit the ngers 291 to l5 swing upwards away from the plate |81, if the crosshead |98 continues its sliding movement with respect to the plate |18 after the downward swinging movement of the plate |81 is stopped by its engagement with the upper surface of the 20 block 44. In this manner, I have compensated for slight variation in the height of the blocks 49 to be wrapped, and have made it possible for the machine to operate satisfactorily, even though a material difference in this dimension of the block 25 occurs.

The crosshead |93 is also provided with a pair of inclined cam surfaces 218 on its lateral edges, which are adaptedto engage laterally slidable plates 2| 1 which are mounted upon the under 30 surface of the forward side plate |18, and thus force the plates 2 I1 outwards, causing their outer ends to engage abutments 218 on the under surfaces of the intermediate end plates 1,855 and swing the plates |89 about the axes of their 35 pivotal connections to the front side plate |18, thereby folding portions 258 of the end |81 of the paper |09 against the ends of the block 29, as illustrated upon Fig. 24. This movement of the intermediate end plates |89 occurs after the front 40 side plate |18 has been swung to vertical position, so that the plates |88 swing about vertical axes. Moreover, this motion of each of the plates |84 is resisted by a spring 2|9 (see Fig. 8) under tension between the associated abutment 218 and a bracket 22| which is rigid with and extends downwards from the under surface of the associated'portion of the plate 18, it being understood that the projection 218 extends through a suitable aperture 222 formed in the plate |19 for 50 that purpose. These springs 219 urge the end plates |84 into retracted position, and slide the pusher plates 211 back into starting position upon withdrawal of the crosshead |98.

The operating mechanism for the after side plate |19 is similar to that associated with the forward end plate |18 hereinabove described.

It includes a crosshead 223 provided with laterally extending pins 22d adapted to engage hookshaped fingers 228 which extend downwards and 50 inwards from the after top plate |82. These fingers are similarly carried by a pivoted plate 221, which permits continued sliding movement of the crosshead 228 after the side plate |19 has been swung to vertical position. The crosshead 223 is also provided with cam surfaces 228 adapted to engage pusher plates 229 and slide them outwards into engagement with abutments 23| which extend downwards through apertures 232 in the after side plate |18, these abutments 23| being carried by the forward intermediate end plates |88, so that they are swung about vertical axes to fold portions 259 of the forward end 238 of the paper |89 against the ends of the block 44, as illustrated upon Fig. 24. The crosshead 223 is connected to the piston rod 234 of another fluid motor 236, the cylinder 231 of which has its lower and upper ends, respectively, connected by conduits 238 and 239 to the sixth valve chamber 24| of the bank 84.

As thus far described, the construction and operation of the after side plate |19 and its associated paper-folding plates |82 and |86, are substantially the same as the construction and operation of the forward side plate |18 ,and its associated paper-folding plates |8| and |84. As stated hereinabove, the forward top plate |82 is swung downwards to fold the paper against the upper surface of the block 44 after the after side plate |19 has been swung upwards to vertical position. This motion of the forward top plate |82 is effected by continued sliding movement of the crosshead 223 until the pins 224 engage the fingers 226, and inasmuch as the point of engagement lies beyond the axis of pivotal mounting of the plate |62 to the plate |19 from those faces thereof which are proximal to the block 44, the plate |82 is swung downwards from vertical position to horizontal position, as will readily be understood. Upon completion of the swinging movement of the after top plate |82 to horizontal position, continued upward sliding movement of the crosshead 223 will cause the fingers 226 and the plate 221 by which they are carried to be swung upward about the axis 0f their pivotal connection 242 to the after top plate |82. Hence, this action of the ngers 226 and their supporting plate 221 is similar to that of the fingers 201 and their supporting plate 288 of the forward top plate |8|, thereby compensating for variations in the height of the blocks 44 belng wrapped.

However, further advantage is taken of this swinging movement of the plate 221. It is provided with a wedge-shaped projection or cam 246, which is best shown upon Figs. '7 and l1. The point or apex 241 of the cam 246 points downwards, and is disposed between two rollers 248, each of which is carried by a push rod 249. These push rods extend transversely outwards from the cam 246, and are slidably mounted upon the under surface of the after top plate |82 by means of alined brackets 25|. Each of these push rods 249 is provided with a shoulder 252 upon its outer end, which engages an abutment pin 253 which is carried by an upper end plate 254. One of these upper end plates 254 is pivoted adjacent each end of the after top plate |82, being hinged thereto as indicated at 256, and the abutment pin 253 of each of the plates 254 is spaced from the axis of the associated hinged connection 256, so that when the push rods 248 are slid outwards upon their supporting plate |82, the upper end plates 254 will be swung inwards toward the block. As stated hereinabove, the cam wedge 246 is not swung outwards, 1. e., upwards away from the plate |82, until after the plate |82 has been swung from vertical position down to horizontal position, folding the after end 233 of the paper |69 against the upper surface of the block 44. It should be explained that this motion of the after end plate |82 is resisted by coil springs 255. Hence, the inward swinging movement of the plates 254 d'oes not occur until after they are swung to horizontal position by the plate 82. Accordingly, this motion of the plates 254 is from horizontal position to vertical position, wherein they fold the upper end iiaps 251 downwards to vertical position against the side end iiaps 258 and 259, which previously have been folded against the ends of the blocks 44 by the intermediate end plates |84 and |86, respectively. Hence, upon completion of the operation of the upper end plates 254, the paper |09 is wrapped about the block 44 substantially as illustrated upon Fig. 25.

This leaves only the bottom end flaps 260 to be folded upwards against the block and against the side end flaps 258 and 259, to complete the wrapping operation. This is accomplished by means of the upward swinging movement of the lower end plates |83, one of which is hinged to each lateral edge of the platform 58. Each of these lower end plates |83 is adapted to be swung upwards by means of an individual fluid motor 26|, 262 similar to the fluid motors previously described and pivotally connected to the under surface of the plates |83. Although it would be entirely practical to connect the cylinders 263 and 264 of the motors 26| and 262, respectively, to a single control valve, I prefer that the conduits 266 and 261 leading from the lower and upper ends of the cylinder 263 respectively be connected to the seventh valve chamber 268 whereas the conduits 269 and 21| be connected to opposite ends of the eighth valve chamber 212. These fluid motors 26| and 262, as well as all the other fluid motors hereinabove described, have the after ends of their respective cylinders 263 and 264 pivoted to the frame 3|, so that no binding occurs as a result of the arcuate path of the outer ends of their respective piston rods as they swing the plates upwards and inwards.

It is impractical to exert the necessary care in manufacture of the blocks 44 of ice to be wrapped to produce them all of precisely the same proportions. Accordingly, in actual practice, a slight variation occurs in the size of these blocks, and for this reason I have provided iiexible, hinged connections between certain of the paper-folding plates, whereby the wrapping machine is permitted to operate efliciently even though a block 44 slightly larger than others is passed into the machine for wrapping. The means for compen- Sating for discrepancies in the height of the l blocks has been described hereinabove, this being the hinged connection of the plates 268 and 221. However, means are also provided in the pivotal connections of the plates |18, |19, and the two plates |83 to the platform 58. plates is mounted by means of a flexible, hinged connection, but inasmuch as all of these four hinged connections are substantially the same, it will suffice for the purpose of the present disclosure to describe but one of them, for example r the hinged connection by which each of the lower end plates |83 is connected to the associated side of the platform. Each of these lower end plates |83 is provided with a substantially semicircular hub 216 which extends half way around a pin 211 rigid with the platform 58. This pin 211 lies substantially in alinement with the associated edge of the platform 58, inasmuch as it extends across a notch 218 formed in that edge. Preferably, the pin 211, instead of being of circular cross section, is semi-circular, as best shown upon Fig. 9, so that the axis about which the plate |83 swings lies in the plane of the upper surface of the plate 56. However, should it happen that the plate |83 is swung upwards toward an end of a block 44 which is slightly wider than the platform 58, the plate |83 is permitted to move outwards from the platform, because of the fact that the hub 216 is open at its upper or inner side. This exibility of the hinged con- Each of these i nection is best illustrated upon Fig. 10, which shows one of the lower end plates |83 swung upwards as hereinabove described, folding the bottom flap 259 against the end of the block 44, and showing the hub 216 moved outwards slightly from its pintle pin 211.

This separation of the hub 216 from the pin 211 is resisted by a pair of coil springs 219, each of which is under tension between the plate |83 andthe platform 58. Moreover, each spring 219 is stretched across the arcuate surface of a semicircular guard 28| which is arranged with the axis of its arcuate surface lying in the axis of the pin 211. The action of the springs 219 serves to insure seating of the pin 211l within the vhub 216 as the plate |83 swings back from vertical position toward the horizontal. As stated hereinabove, the hinged connection of each of the forward and after side plates |13 and |19 is similar to those whereby the end plates |83 are mounted, with the result that discrepancies in both the length and width of the blocks 44 being wrapped are compensated for. Inasmuch as the hinged connections between these several plates and the platform 58 become disconnected when the plates are swung upwards to fold the paper about an oversize block M, I have found it advisable to provide means for preventing the forward and after side plates |10 and |19 from sliding upwards with respect to the block after they have been swung to vertical position, it being remembered that the crossheads |98 and 223 must continue upward sliding movement after their respective side plates |18 and |19 have been swung to vertical position. Accordingly, I have provided links 232 pivoted at their upper ends to each of the plates |19 and |19, each link being connected at its lower end to the uprights |11 whereupon the platform 58 is supported. Their connection to the uprights |11 is by means of a pin 233 associated with each of the links 282, and engaged therewith within a slot 284 which permits the necessary amount of axial and pivotal movement of the link, but prevents continued axial movement after the associated side plate |18, |19 has been swung to vertical position.

Adhesive-applying mechanism Whereas it would be entirely practical to employ paper which is supplied in cut sheets, instead of in a'continuous roll, which sheets are provided with suitable adhesive which requires merely being moistened to insure its establishing suitable bond vbetween'different portions of the wrapped sheet, L prefer to employ paper or other suitable wrapping material which is provided in a roll 5|, as hereinabove described, and to provide means for applying a suitable adhesive such as glue to predetermined areas of the sheet, preferably during Y'the folding process. Preferably three reservoirs, 285, 291, and 233 for glue or other suitable adhesive material, are provided and in each a roller 283 is journaled. The shaft 29| of each of the rollers 289 extends to the outside of the associated reservoir, and carries a pulley 293 which is connected by a belt 292 to another pulley 294, all of these pulleys 294 being mounted upon a drive shaft 295 `iournaled in suitable location below the bed 33 and adapted to be rotated by means to be described hereinbelow. Hence, all the supply rollers 289 are adapted to be rotated, and inasmuch as each is partially immersed within liquid glue 291 within the associated reservoir this rotation of the rollers 239 will carry a film of glue upwards to moisten a movable roller which normally is pressed there-` against. However, in order to prevent the delivery of an excess quantity of glue to these movable rollers, each of the reservoirs 286 is provided with a scraper 299 which scrapes olf all but a lm of predetermined thickness of glue on that side of the supply roller 239 which is moving upwards.

The movable roller 39| which is associated with the reservoir 286 is carried by the forward top plate itl, whereas the movable rollers 3(32v and 393 which are associated with the reservoirs 281 and 233, respectively, are carried by the upper end plates 250. These movable rollers 30|, 302, and S are all mountedin substantially the saine manner. Hence, it will suflice to describe herein the mounting of only the roller 39|. A pair of brackets 324 extends rigidly downwards from the under surface of the forward top plate IBI, and have a shaft 392 extending between their lower ends. Levers 32'! are mounted for rocking movement upon this shaft 30S, and the roller 39| is journaled between the outer ends of the two levers 301, as best shown upon Fig. 5. Between the other end of one or each of the levers 301 and the under surface of the plate IBI, a coil spring 308 is under tension, urging the levers 2,01 to swing in that direction which will move the roller 30| away from the plane of the plate lill pressing the roller 30| against the associated supply roller 289 when the paper-folding mechanism is in receiving position.

Inasmuch as the wrapping machine has been designed primarily for use in wrapping blocks of ice, necessitating its use within a refrigerated' room, I have found it advisable to provide an electrical resistance element 399 for each of the reservoirs 286, 281, and 223, whereby suflicient heat may be generated and applied to the glue 291 within the reservoir to assure its being maintained at a suitable state of fluidity. Current is suppliedto the resistance elements 309 by way of electrical conductors 3| The rollers 30|, 302, and 323 are mounted upon their respective plates |8| and 254 in such position that they extend parallel to the respective axes about which these plates swing. Moreover, the rollers 30|, 302, and 393 are spaced outwards from the outer edgesl of their respective supporting plates, as clearly shown upon Fig. 5. indicated upon Figs. 22 and 23, the operation of the forward top plate in swinging downward toward the upper surface of the blocks precedes the corresponding operation of the after top plate. after edge 293 of the sheet |09 of paper as the edge 233 is being swung downwards by the after top plate |32, causing the edge 233 of paper to brush against the glue-moistened roller 30|, which thereby applies a suicient quantity of glue to the under surface of the edge 233 to establish suitable bond between the edge 233 and the edge |21 after the after end of the paper has been folded downwards onto the block with the extreme end 233 thereof overlapping the edge |81. The operation of the rollers 302 and 303 is similar. As indicated upon Figs. 25 and 26, the upper end flaps 251 are swung downwards by the plates 252, and against the ends of the block before This positions the roller 30| under the the lower end flaps 280 are swung upwards by' the plates |83. Hence, the rollers 302 and 333 will be in positionto be engaged by the irmer surfaces of the lower end flaps 269 as they swing toward the end of the block thereby becoming moistened tension of the spring with glue to establish suitable bond between the aps 258 and the aps 25'! after the flaps 233 have been pressed thereupon and in overlapping relationship therewith, as indicated upon Fig. 26.

Discharge mechanism The delivery mechanism is indicated in its entirety at 3|6, and is adapted to remove the wrapped blocks of ice from the platform 58. This delivery mechanism 3|5 comprises a carriage 3|'| slidably mounted for reciprocation longitudinally of the 'wrapping machine upon tracks 3|8 parallel to and below the tracks |44 of the positioning mechanism |41. The carriage 3|? is adapted to be slid upon the tracks Sit by means of another fluid motor 3| 9, the piston rod 325 of which, however, instead oi being connectedL directly to the carriage, is connected to a wedge (see Figs. i4 and l5) which is slidably mounted upon the upper surface of the carriage 3i?. A pair of spaced brackets incline downwards and forwards from the carriage 3 1, and iournaled therebetween is a rod which carries a detent 32S which is free to swing about the axis of the rod 324. This permits the delivery mechanism 3|5 to be advanced across the wrapped block 44, with the detent dragging across the upper surface thereof. As soon as the detent 323 passes the block it will drop, so as to position an angular foot 321 which is carried at its lower end, in engagement with the upper corner of the block, as illustrated upon 15. Accordingly, upon retractile movement of the delivery mechanism 3| 6, the wrapped block 44 will be dragged back with the mechanism 325, and ofi the platform 58 and across the plates |18 and |82 to a conveyor mechanism 325 of suitable design, the inner end of which is positioned closely adjacent the outer edge of the plate |82 when the paper-folding plates are lying in a horizontal plane.

However, means are provided for gripping the block by its ends also. This gripping means is in the form of a presser foot 33| adapted to engage eacn end of the block, each of these presser feet being carried at the lower end of a lever 332 which is pivoted to end hangs downwards from the carriage 3H. The upper ends of the levers 332 are disposed above their pivotal connections to the carriage, and are adapted to be engaged by the wedge 322 when the wedge slides forwards upon the carriage 3 l. This motion of the wedge 322 with respect to the carriage 35'! is resisted by preferably a pair of coil springs 333 under tension between projections 334 which are rigid with the wedge 322 and extensions from the after edge of the carriage 3|?. Accordingly, forward motion of the wedge 322 with respect to the carriage 3H will not occur until the carriage 3V! has been slid to the forward end of the tracks 3|8 and into engagement with a stop 337 which prevents continued forward motion of the carriage, whereupon the continued advance of the piston rod 32| will cause the wedge 322 to be advanced across the carriage 3|?, increasing the A forward extension 338 of the wedge 322 is provided with ratchet teeth 339 adapted to be engaged by a pawl 34| which is carried by the carriage 3|?, thereby preventing retractile motion of the wedge 322 with respect to the carriage 3|? during the retractile motion of the carriage and until a lever 342 which is connected to the pawl 34| comes into engagement with an abutment 343 rigid with any suitable portion of the frame 3|. As stated hereinabove, the wedge 322 is adapted to engage the upper ends of the levers 332 when the wedge slides forwards upon the carriage 3|1, i. e., after the carriage 3|'| has reached its forward extreme of motion which positions the carriage over the wrapped block 44. The inclined surfaces 344 at the lateral edges of the wedge 322 will then swing the upper ends of the levers 332 outwards, swinging the presser feet 33| inwards into engagement with the ends of the wrapped block, so that they press thereagainst and continue to do so on account of the engagement of the pawl 34| during retraction of the delivery mechanism 3|6. Preferably, the levers 332 are of such length that the presser feet 33| engage the outer surfaces of the lower end flaps 268, and I prefer that each of the presser feet 33| be provided with an electrical resistance element 346 adapted to be energized by conductors 341 so as to apply heat to the presser feet 33| to expedite the drying or hardening process of the glue which holds the aps 260 against the flaps 257. The conduits 348 and 349 which communicate with the opposite ends of the cylinder of the motor 3|8 communicate with the opposite ends of the ninth and last valve mechanism 35| of the bank 84.

Inasmueh as the glue-applying roller 33| which is carried by the forward top plate ll, is spaced outwards from the outer edge of that plate, it is necessary to so construct the machine that the outer edge of the plate |8| is disposed at a mate- 3 rial distance from the conveyor 43. Accordingly, I have provided a pivotally mounted plate 352, which normally is held up in inclined position, as indicated in dashed lines upon 7, by a spring 353, but which is adapted to be swung downwards to horizontal position to bridge the gap between the conveyor 43 and the plate |8|, so as to permit the blocks of ice o be dragged thereacross to the plates |8| and |18 onto the platform 58.

Hydraulic fluid supply and control mechanism The means 85 for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to each of the several fluid motors hereinabove described, is illustrated upon Figs. 12 and 13. It comprises a reservoir 356 within which the bank 84 of nine valve chambers is disposed. Fig. 13 illustrates the construction of one of the valve chambers, say the Valve chamber 33, whereby operation of the fluid motor of the paper-positioning mechanism 59 is controlled, and it should be understood that all the valve chambers of the entire bank 84 are of substantially the same construction. The valve chamber 33 comprises a substantially tubular housing 351 having a valve 358 reciprocable thereinside. Hydraulic fluid, preferably oil, under pressure is supplied by means of a pump 359 to all of the housings 35? intermediate their ends, so that this pressure is imposed at all times upon a passageway 38| which extends longitudinally of each Valve 358 but which terminates short of the ends thereof in lateral passages 332 and 363. The spacing between these passages 362 and 353 is less than the spacing between the ports 354 and 366 in the housing 351, it being understood that it is to these ports that the conduits leading from the associated fiuid motor are connected. In the present instance these conduits are the conduits 8| and. 82 leading from the cylinder 'IE of the paper-positioning mechanism 59. Hence, pressure can be supplied optionally to either of the conduits 8| or 82, depending upon the position of the Valve 358. The pressure within the conduit 8| or 82 which is not connected to the passage 36|, is relieved by means of a lateral passage 351 or 358, respectively, through the valve 353, it being understood that the housing 351 is provided with ports 359 and 31| directly opposite each of the ports 334 and 336, respectively. These ports 3&9 and 31| open to the reservoir 355, so that the oil which is released during retractile movement of the associated piston is simply discharged back into the reservoir. The inlet of pump 358 is also open into the reservoirs 33t, so that all the oil which is necessary for the operation of the several fluid motors is withdrawn from the reservoir 355 by the pump, and is subsequently delivered back thereinto upon retractile motion of that motor.

The shaft 315 of the pump is adapted to be rotated by bevel gears 311 and siti, the latter of which is carried by a drive shaft within the reservoir 355 and immersed within the oil therein. One end 38H of the shaft 313 extends through a suitable stufng box 38E in a wall of the reservoir to be connected to a motor 383. Within the reservoir 359 the shaft 313 carries a worm 38@ enmeshed with a worm wheel 383 carried by a cam shaft 381. This shaft 381 carries a cam for each of the valves 358, so that the necessary synchronization of the various fluid motors may easily be lattained by adjustment of the cams upon the shaft 381. Each cam 338 is retained in adjusted position by means of a. set screw or its equivalent. Each of the valves 358 extends from its associated housing 351 and carries a cam follower 339 which rides over the surface of the associated cam 3&8 as that cam rotates. Preferably, each of the valves 358 is provided with frange extensions Bril upon opposite sides of the associated follower 389, these flanges embracing the sides of the associated cam 338, so as to prevent rotation of the associated vaive about its longitudinal axis, thereby restricting the motion of the valve to movement in an axial direction. A coil spring 392 under compression between the end of the housing and a shoulder 393 on the valve 358 urges the follower 339 against its associated cam 388.

inasmuch as all the cams 388, valve housings 351, valves 358, cam followers 386, as well as the worm worm wheel 385, the journals for the shafts 339 and and the gears 318 and 31 are immersed within the oil contained within the reservoir 358, no attention whatever need be paid to lubrication of these portions of the wrapping machine.

Energization of the motor 383 is controlled by a limit switch 395 which is positioned over the conveyor i3 whereby the blocks Mi of ice to be wrapped are conducted to the wrapping machine. Moreover, the switch 393 is so positioned that it will be engaged by a block lll and closed when that block has been carried by the conveyor into the proper position to be engaged by the positioning mechanism ill and dragged into the machine. This insures that the block 94 to be wrapped will be not only in proper position, but will be motionless upon the conveyor i3 at the time that it is engaged by the cage del. Moreover, this means of controlmakes it possible to provide more than one wrapping machine to be fed by the supply conveyor 3. Upon Fig. l another wrapping machine is indicated in dashed lines at and the motor (not shown) of the second wrappingmachine 33? is also adapted to be energized by closing of the switch 335. This avoids the necessity of providing complicated and expensive synchronizing mechanism, which otherwise would be necessary to cause a plurality of wrapping machines to operate at the same speed, as would be required if they were not all started into operation at the same instantn. Under the present arrangement, no one of the wrapping machines can start until a block has come into engagement with the switch 3%, and is held stationary thereby. Under the normal arrangement, blocks will be supplied to the conveyor 43 at such a rate that they are closely adjacent each other thereupon, with the result that the next block 388 will be carried into engagement with the block 399 which engages the switch 355 and held stationary thereby until the block 338 is taken ci? the conveyor 43 by the Wrapping 15 The outer end of the arm 20 suitable stuffing box 588 into the reservoir 355 where it is connected to the cam shaft 381 to be rotated thereby through one full turn each time the cam shaft 381 makes a complete revolution. The roller 495 is .adapted to drop into a notch 439 upon completion of the cycle of operation of the wrapping machine, thereby disconnecting the contacts 492 and 403 which are connected in parallel with the contacts of the limit switch 395, and breaking its branch of the support to the motor383. However, as soon as the motor 383 is energized by the next successive block 4d coming into contact with the limitA switch 396, the cam 491 will start to turn, raising the roller 496 from the notch 499 and bringing the contact 493 into engagement with the contact 492 to maintain energization of the motor after the block G4 is removed from the limit switch 396 and until completionof the cycle of operation of the wrapping machine.

Operation It is believed that the operation of the several individual parts of the Wrapping machine will be adequately understood from the description of their construction and operation which have been included hereinabove. However, the following description of the machines operation will assist in understanding the synchronization between the constituent parts of the machine during one complete cycle of operation.

After energization of the motor 383, the rst cam 388 to engage its cam follower 389 and slide its valve 358 so as to supply fluid under pressure to that end of the associated cylinder which causes the associated fluid motor to operate in the forward direction, is the cam 383 of the first valve 83 of the bank 84, which, as explained hereinabove, is connected to the fluid motor 14 of the paper-advancing mechanism. Hence, the first operation is to advance the paper-positioning mechanism 59, so that the jaws 39 and 32 may engage the end of the paper from the roll 5 The cam then passes out of engagement with the follower, permitting the valve 358 to return to initial position, relieving the pressure within the advance side of the cylinder 15, and supplying fluid under pressure to the retraction side, whereupon the mechanism 59 is retracted, drawing a sheet |09 of paper of predetermined length across the platform 58. The next operation is to i raise the cutter bar |26, which is .attained as a result of the engagement of the next cam 388 with its associated follower 389. The high point on this cam is wide enough to maintain the cutter bar |25 elevated during operation of the severing mechanism wherein the knife I |4 is projected across the paper as a result of the engagement of the next cam 388 with its cam follower. The cutting mechanism .and the cutter bar are then moved back to retracted position as a result of the passing of the high points of the respective cams out of engagement with their respective cam followers.

During operation of the cutting mechanism, or

immediately subsequent thereto, the positioning mechanism I4! is energized, causing the arm |40 to advance and lower, engaging the fingers |52 of the cage I5I with the block 44 which has closed the limit switch 396, whereupon the positioning mechanism I4| is retracted to position the said block on the sheet |09 of paper and immediately over the platform 58, as hereinabove described. This places the block and paper in the relative positions illustrated upon Fig. 19.

During the initial movement of the block from the conveyor toward platform 58 it encounters the normally inclined plate 352 and presses this plate downwardly against the action of springs 353 into the position shown in Figures 6 and '1.

By reference to Figure 1 it will be noted that the forward edge of the paper is positioned beneath the rear edge of plate 352 so that while the block passes over the plate the forward edge of the paper is effectively clamped beneath plate 352.

This temporary clamping of the paper is suflicient to hold it in place while the block moves onto the paper. During the completion of the movement of the block the paper frictionally remains in place.

,10 The fiuid motors |9| and 236 are then energized, the former slightly in advance of the latter, it being remembered that these motors are operably coupled to the forward side plate |18 and the after side plate, respectively` Hence,

the first step in the wrapping operation causes the forward end |81 of lthe paper, to be folded up against the forward end of the block 44, as illustrated upon Fig. 20, and the next step positions the after end 233 against the after end of the block, as illustrated upon Fig. 21. Continued upward motion of the crosshead |98 causes the forward top plate IBI to swing past the vertical and downwards toward horizontal position against the upper surface of the block, positioning the paper as illustrated upon Fig. 22, and as this is happening the after top plate |82 is being swung downwards toward the position illustrated upon Fig. 23. As this occurs, the extreme edge of the paper will brush across the glue-applying roller 30|, moistening the under surface of the end 233, so that when it reaches the position illustrated upon Fig. 23, it will adhere to the end |81 of the paper. The continued upward sliding movement of the crosshead 223 with respect to the plate |19 upon which it is mounted, effects lifting the pivoted plate 221, driving the cam wedge 246 upwards between the rollers 248 to force the push rods 249 outwards, which, as explained hereinabove, causes the upper end plates 254 to swing downwards, carrying the flaps 251 downwards into engagement with the ends of the block, as illustrated upon Fig. 25. This disposes the glue-applying rollers 302 in position to be brushed against by the ends of the lower end r-5 flaps 260 as they are folded upwards by the subsequent operation of the lower end plates |83, thereby applying sufficient glue to the inner surfaces of the flaps 260 to cause them to adhere to the flaps 251 .and thereby retain the paper which has been wrapped, about the block, as shown 5 upon Fig. 26.

The uid motors associated with the wrapping plates are then reversely operated, this being caused by the high points on their respective cams 388 passing out of engagement with their 10 associated cain followers 389, as explained hereinabove. This will cause the paper-folding plates to unwrap themselves from around the wrapped block and assume their initial position, wherein they all lie substantially within the plane of the 15 platform 58.

The next step in the operation of the machine is the delivery of the wrapped block from the platform 58 to the conveyor 325, this being effected by the delivery mechanism 3| 6, the op- 20 eration of which has been described hereinabove. Upon completion of the operation of the delivery mechanism, the notch 409 of the cam 401 will move into registry with the roller 40B of the switch 40|, permitting the switch to open .and 25 break the circuit whereby the motor 383 is energized, and thus causing the entire machine to come to rest awaiting the arrival of the next block 44 at the limit switch 396, provided the next block has not already arrived there before 30 completion of the preceding cycle of operation.

It is to be understood that the details of the invention as herein disclosed, are subject to alteration within the spirit or scope of the appended claims. 35

I claim:

l.. In a wrapping machine, a platform adapted to receive a sheet of wrapping paper and an article to be wrapped, paper-folding plates disposed about the edges of said platform, and yieldable o means pivotally connecting each of said plates to said platform urging the plates to assume positions adjacent the platform but enabling them to move outwardly therefrom.

2. In a wrapping machine, a platform adapted 5 to receive a sheet of wrapping paper and an article to be wrapped, paper-folding plates disposed about the edges of said platform, yieldable means pivotally connecting each of said plates to said platform urging the plates to assume positions 50 adjacent the platform but enabling them to move outwardly therefrom, means for swinging said plates upwards about the axis of said connecting means, and means limiting upward movement of said plates away from said platform upon com- 55 pletion of swinging movement thereof.

3. In a wrapping machine, a platform adapted to receive a sheet of wrapping paper and an article to be wrapped, paper-folding plates disposed about the edges of said platform, and yieldable 60 means pivotally connecting each of said plates to said platform urging the plates to assume positions adjacent the platform but enabling them to move outwardly therefrom, said connecting means lying ventirely below the plane of said platform 65 when said plates are in receiving position.

4. In a wrapping machine, a platform adapted to receive a sheet of Wrapping paper and an article to be wrapped, paper-folding plates disposed about the edges of said platform, yieldable means pivotally connecting each of said plates to said platform urging the plates to assume positions adjacent the platform but enabling them to move outwardly therefrom, means for swinging said plates upwards about the axis of said connecting means into perpendicularity with the plane of said platform to fold said paper against the sides of said article, and means holding said plates from sliding upwards away from said platform after folding said paper.

5. In a wrapping machine, a pair of. plates adapted to press paper against adjacent sides of an article to be wrapped, said plates normally lying in a common plane, means for swinging one of said plates about an axis adjacent the proximal edge of the other plate to fold said paper about a corner of said article, and yieldable means for pivotally connecting said plates, comprising a pin rigid with one of said plates and extending with its edge parallel to said edge, a hub member rigid with the other plate and extending partially around said pin, the upper side of said hub member being open to permit the associated plate to move away from said pin when swung upwards against an article projecting beyond said axis, and spring means resisting said movement away from said pin.

6. In a wrapping machine, a pair of plates adapted to press paper against adjacent sides of an article to be wrapped, said plates normally lying in a common plane, means for swinging one of said plates about an axis adjacent the proximal edge of the other plate to fold said paper about a corner of said article, and yieldable means for pivotally connecting said plates, comprising a pin rigid with one of said plates andextending with its edge parallel to said edge, a hub member rigid with the other plate and extending partially around said pin, the upper side of said hub member being open to permit the associated plate to move away from said pin when swung upwards against an article projecting beyond said axis, an arcuate guard carried by the plate to which said hub is attached, the centerof the arc described by said guard lying within the axis of said pin, and a spring under tension between said plates and stretched around the arcuate surface of said guard.

7. In a wrapping machine, a horizontal platform adapted to support a sheet of paper and an article to be wrapped, and means for folding said sheet about said article, comprising a side plate hinged at its lower edge to said platform, means for swinging said side plate to vertical position to fold said sheet against a side of said article, an end plate hinged to an end of said side plate, and a top plate hinged to the upper edge of said side plate, means operative by said swinging means subsequent to the arrival of said side plate in vertical position for swinging said end plate into perpendicularity with the side plate to fold said sheet against an end of said article and for swinging said top plate into horizontal position to fold said sheet against the top of said article.

8. In a wrapping machine, a horizontal platform adapted to support a sheet of paper and an article to be wrapped, and means for folding said sheet about said article, comprising a side plate hinged at its lower edge to said platform, a crosshead slidably mounted on said side plate for movement in a path perpendicular to the axis of its hinged connection to the platform, a rod extending upwards to and pivotally connected to said crosshead, means for raising said rod to swing said side plate upwards and to fold said sheet against a side of said article, an end plate hinged to an end edge of said side plate, a cam on said crosshead, an abutment projecting from said end plate, means slidable laterally on said side plate engageable by said cam and adapted to engage said abutment to swing said end plate into perpendicularity with said side plate upon continued movement of said crosshead after swinging said side plate to vertical position, a top plate hinged to the upper edge of said side plate,` and an abutment on said top plate engageable by said crosshead upon said continued movement thereof to swing said top plate to horizontal position.

9. In an ice wrapping machine, means providing a platform, means for positioning a sheet of wrapping paper thereon, means for positioning a block of ice on the sheet, side folding plates for folding the sides of the sheet up against the sides of the block, means providing a yieldable pivotal connection between the side folding plates and the platform enabling the side folding plates to move outwardly from the sides of the platform in folding the sides of the sheet against blocks of various thicknesses, and actuating means for swinging the side folding plates upwardly against the sides of the block.

10. In an ice wrapping machine, means providing a platform, means for positioning a sheet of wrapping paper thereon, means for positioning a block of ice on the sheet, side folding plates for folding the sides of the sheet up against the sides of the block, means providing a yieldable pivotal connection between the side folding plates and the platform enabling the side folding plates to move outwardly from the sides of the platform in folding the sides of the sheet against blocks of various thicknesses, actuating means for swinging the side folding plates upwardly against the sides of the block, and top folding plates pivotally connected to the edges of the side folding plates and operable by said means for folding the sheet over the top of the block.

11. In an ice wrapping machine, means providing a platform, means for positioning a sheet of wrapping paper thereon, means for positioning a block of ice on the sheet, side folding plates for folding the sides of thesheet up against the sides of the block, means providing a yieldable pivotal connection between the side folding plates and the platform enabling the side folding plates to move outwardly from the sides of the platform in folding the sides of the sheet against blocks of various thicknesses, actuating means for swinging the side folding plates upwardly against the,

sides of the block, top folding plates pivotally connected to the edges of the side folding plates and operable by said means .lfor foldingi the sheet over the top of the block, and an adhesive applying means carried by one of said top folding plates for applying adhesive between thev lapped edges of the sheet on top of the block.

12. I n-an ice wrapping machine, means providing a platform, means for positioning a sheet of wrapping paper thereon, means for positioning a block of ice on the sheet, side folding plates for folding the sides of the sheet up against the sides of the block, means providing a yieldable pivotal connection between the side folding plates and the platform enabling the side folding plates to move outwardly from the sides of the platform in folding the sides of the sheet against blocks of various thicknesses, actuating means for swinging the side folding plates upwardly against the sides of the block, and end folding plates hingedly connected to the sides of the side folding plates operable by said actuating means to fold the ends of the upwardly folded sides against the ends o-f the block.

13. In an ice wrapping machine, a platform, 

